This fresh & colorful BBQ Chickpea Salad is a big flavor party! It's tossed with a homemade avocado ranch dressing, and then topped with tender, warm chickpeas simmered in BBQ sauce. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)
I was inspired to make a vegan version of the classic "BBQ Chicken Salad" because the flavor combination is so amazing, and after a bit of testing, I feel like I struck pure salad gold.
This is such a tasty, satisfying dish that's also great for busy weeknights, take-along lunches, meal prep, etc.
This salad is easy to assemble, but is also packed with flavor. First, the fresh & colorful chopped salad is tossed with a homemade vegan ranch dressing (or simply use your own favorite ranch dressing). Then it's topped off with tender, warm chickpeas simmered in BBQ sauce.
We usually have a little dressing left over but that's a huge bonus because I love using it on other salads or as a veggie dip.
BBQ Chickpea Salad with Avocado Ranch
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 15 oz. can chickpeas
- 2/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 large head romaine
- 1 cup corn (I thaw frozen corn)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2-3 green onions
For the Avocado Ranch:
- 1 avocado
- 1 cup almond or soy milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tsp. white wine vinegar
- 1-2 cloves garlic (I use 2)
- 1/2 tsp. dried dill
- 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Optional: fresh chives are wonderful as well
Instructions
- Make the dressing: in a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Rinse and drain chickpeas. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, simmer chickpeas in BBQ sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help slightly thin if desired.)
- Meanwhile, chop the romaine, tomatoes, and green onion. Place in a bowl. Add corn and carrots. Toss to combine.
- When ready to assemble, distribute the salad into bowls, toss with desired amount of dressing, and top with BBQ chickpeas.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
If you're enjoying this BBQ Chickpea Salad, also check out:
Come join The Garden Grazer on Instagram and then share a photo if you make or adapt this! (Also please leave a review and star rating below if you give it a try - your feedback is greatly appreciated!)
Jessica
This is so fresh, flavorful, and filling. Thank you for sharing!
Kaitlin
Great to hear you enjoyed!
S.Renae
What size avocado do you recommend?
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hi! I based this on an average/medium avocado. If yours is extra big or small, feel free to adjust the other amounts slightly to get the texture as desired.
Victoria
My family is half vegetarian and half meat-eaters. I made this with the chickpeas and bbq chicken (for those who eat chicken). Everyone LOVED it and said we didn't even need the chicken. Getting added to the recipe rotation for sure! Thank You!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
That's great! Thanks for sharing!
Tasha Willett
I just made this for lunch and it was awesome! I had all the ingredients except tomatoes but I will add those in next time. This recipe is a keeper.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thanks for sharing your kind feedback!
Melissa Dressely
Very easy to make, and i had most of the ingredients on hand. Delicious!!! The dressing is creamy and thick.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Wonderful!
Anonymous
We had this for dinner tonight and loved it!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Great to hear!
Carmen
Just made this for lunch...so good!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Awesome, Carmen! Thanks for sharing!
Everyday Foodie
Made this earlier this week and had the leftovers tonight (each part stored separately) and it's super yummy!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
JM
Loved it! Thank you for restoring our faith in plant-based eating! (We started eating this way just over a month ago and have had a lot of "ok" meals.)
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thank you! So glad to hear you enjoyed it. Hope you find some other recipes you love just as much!
Gina Holmes
This was excellent. Looking forward to trying many more of your recipes.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Wonderful, thanks for the kind feedback!
Mandy
I made this for dinner the other night and my husband and I gobbled it up. Another great recipe! Thank you! Your recipes have consistently been some of our favorite vegetarian/vegan meals.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
That's so great to hear! Thank you!
Ali
Can I use regular white vinegar in this? I couldn't find white wine vinegar at my grocery store.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hey Ali! I'd try rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you have either of those. Otherwise a little white vinegar would probably be okay too! Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if needed.